Anti-fouling system for submerged vessels and structures

ABSTRACT

A remotely positioned, ultrasonic wave producing, and low voltage anti-fouling system comprising; a computing module, a mounting system having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to vessel or a structure, a substantially waterproof enclosure detachably engaged with the second end of the mounting system, at least one transducer positioned within the substantially waterproof enclosure and cooperatively connected to the computing module, wherein the at least one transducer produces a sound wave able to impinge upon a submerged surface, at least one wave form generator cooperatively connected to the computing module and the at least one transducer, at least one power amplifier cooperatively connected to the at least one wave form generator and the at least one transducer, and at least one sensor cooperatively connected to the computing module, wherein the at least one sensor substantially.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part (and claims the benefit ofpriority under 35 USC 120) of U.S. application No. 62/583,714, filedNov. 17, 2017. The disclosure of the prior applications is consideredpart of (and is incorporated by reference in) the disclosure of thisapplication.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for preventing aquaticbiological growth on submerged vessels or structures and/or biologicalfouling in water (e.g. fouling organisms found in ship ballast tanks)Thepresent invention also relates to a device for this purpose.

The settlement and growth of fouling organisms such as barnacles andalgae have long plagued both commercial and recreational boaters. Thecolonization of submerged man-made surfaces by these organisms isreferred to as “fouling” as they increase the weight and drag on thevessel thereby reducing the speed of the vessel underway. This increasesfuel consumption and makes the vessel more difficult to handle, thusreducing the performance and efficiency of the vessel. In addition,fouling is prevalent and widespread on marina pilings, and otherstructures. On fixed structures, fouling increases weight and structuralloading.

Various methods have been used to attempt to limit boat fouling, such asanti-fouling paints, the use of copper electrodes to release copper intothe water and use of chlorine generation to release chlorine into thewater. In general, these techniques function by releasing toxicchemicals into the water surrounding a boat thus preventing thesettlement and subsequent growth of barnacles as well as other forms ofmarine, brackish and freshwater life. However, the use of these methodsobviously creates a negative environmental impact affecting fish-lifeand in turn fish food and humans and poses a serious threat to thehealth of the world oceans and other bodies of water due to the toxicityof chemicals employed. Several states in the U.S. have now banned theuse of certain anti-fouling agents and other countries of the world havejoined in a similar ban.

Each of these anti-fouling methods as now practiced have problemsdiscovered by the present inventors and resolved by their invention. Asa result, many boaters have resorted to installing expensive lifts toremove their boats from the water in areas such as Florida, whereyear-round boating is common. For larger boats (e.g. over 35 feet),lifts are often not practical or affordable. And in many placesworldwide, lifts are not commonly used due to seasonal boatingactivities.

In consideration of the current existing anti-fouling methods andpractices, which include primarily the application of toxic bottompaints to boats and labor intensive, repetitive manual cleaning offouled surfaces, both of which are only partially effective and provideshort-term protection only, it is evident there remains the need for asystem that incorporates the attributes of affordability, long-termconsistent fool proof operability, dependability and effectiveness, aswell as being safe for the environment.

SUMMARY

The present invention utilizes. a method of preventing fouling of asubmerged vessel or structure, the method comprising; activating, by oneor more computing devices, a set of transducers and at least one sensorat a first area, generating, by one or more computing devices, apredetermined sound wave from the set of transducers, monitoring, by oneor more computing devices, data collected by the at least one sensor,altering, by one or more computing devices, the predetermined sound waveof the set of transducers, wherein the alteration is based on the datacollected by the at least one sensor, and adjusting, by one or morecomputing devices, the direction of the sound wave generated by the setof transducers from the first area to a second area, when it isdetermined by the at least one sensor the first area if free of foulingorganism.

In a second embodiment, the present invention is an anti-fouling systemcomprising; a computing module, at least one transducer cooperativelyconnected to the computing module, wherein the at least one transducerproduces a sound wave able to impinge upon a submerged surface, and atleast one sensor cooperatively connected to the computing module,wherein the at least one sensor substantially.

In a third embodiment, the present invention is an anti-fouling systemcomprising; a computing module, a mounting system having a first end anda second end, wherein the first end is attached to vessel or astructure, a substantially waterproof enclosure detachably engaged withthe second end of the mounting system, at least one transducerpositioned within the substantially waterproof enclosure andcooperatively connected to the computing module, wherein the at leastone transducer produces a sound wave able to impinge upon a submergedsurface, at least one wave form generator cooperatively connected to thecomputing module and the at least one transducer, at least one poweramplifier cooperatively connected to the at least one wave formgenerator and the at least one transducer, and at least one sensorcooperatively connected to the computing module, wherein the at leastone sensor substantially.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts block diagram of a computing environment, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B depicts block diagram of a computing environment, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts an image of an anti-fouling system application, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A depicts an anti-fouling system, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B depicts an anti-fouling system, in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3C depicts an anti-fouling system, in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3D depicts an anti-fouling system, in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts schematic diagram of a circuit for measuring the acousticenergy level, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram of the method of operation of theanti-fouling system, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a non-toxic, environmentally beneficialanti-fouling system. The present invention may prevent the foulingorganism from growing, reducing the growth rate of the foulingorganisms, may remove the fouling organisms from the vessel orstructure, or a combination of these. Aspects of the present inventionimprove the effectiveness and reliability of systems employing soundenergy to reduce or prevent marine, brackish and freshwater fouling onsubmerged vessels and structures. This invention makes use of a systemsapproach to generate, monitor, and control sound pressure near andaround the hull of the vessel and the submerged structures which arecolonized by fouling organisms, by creating a vibrational energy field.This allows the submerged surface of a vessel or other submerged surfaceto remain free of fouling organisms in any aquatic environment.

The entire diverse and complex community of fouling organisms thatsettle and grow on ship surfaces, ranging from the tiniestmicro-organisms (bacteria and algae) to the larger invertebrate larvae(barnacles, mussels, tunicates, bryozoans . . . etc.) can be targeted bydelivering protective sound energy over the broad band of frequenciesrequired to ensure maximum effectiveness on organisms differing widelyin size. The sonic irradiations can be maintained continuously withinoptimum functional ranges for the entire suite of fouling communityorganisms with a concurrently operating monitoring, feedback, andadjustment system.

The present invention also provides the advantage of protectingsubmerged structures (e.g. pier pilings) from ship worms, barnacles,mussels, algae, and other fouling organisms. Through a modular andeasily reconfigured system, the present invention provides an advantageof being highly customizable based on the intended application. Also,the inventive system can be used to keep water intake pipes of powerplants and other operations free of serious pest organisms like zebramussels (Dreissena polymorpha) which settle inside and outside the pipethe pipe, grow rapidly, and clog such pipes. The system can be used tokill the dispersal forms of fouling organisms universally contained inshipping vessel ballast tank water. This prevents the environmentallydamaging introduction and spread of exotic, invasive fouling organismsto new waters when ballast water is released. Invasive species are nowconsidered a major threat to the health of world ocean ecosystemstability and biodiversity.

As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading thisdisclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustratedherein has discrete components and features which may be readilyseparated from or combined with the features of any of the other severalembodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the presentinvention. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited toparticular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It isalso to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intendedto be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limitedonly by the appended claims.

The present invention is disclosed in a first embodiment depicted inFIG. 1A, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Thesystem 100, is comprised of, a network 101, a control module 102, atleast one transducer 104, at least one sensor 106, a waveform generator105, a power amplifier 107, and a computing device 112. In the depictedsystem 100 each component may have its own independent power source, thesystem may have a single power source, or a mixture of both may beemployed.

The present invention is depicted in a second embodiment in FIG. 1B,wherein the control module 102, is connected in a private circuit withthe waveform generator 105, the power amplifier 107, the transducer 104,and the sensor 106. The control module 102 is able to communicate withthe computing device 112 via network 101. This is another embodiment, ofthe design of system 100.

Network 101 may be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN)such as the Internet, any combination thereof, or any combination ofconnections and protocols that can support communications between thecomputing device and the control module 102. Network 101 may includewired, wireless, fiber optic, or other forms of data exchangingconnections. In other embodiments, the network 101 may represent aserver computing system utilizing multiple computers as a server system,such as in a cloud computing environment. In another embodiment. In thedepicted embodiment, the control module 102, the waveform generator 105,the power amplifier 107, the sensors 106, and the transducers 104 areall connected through a wired network. In additional embodiments, thecontrol module 102, the waveform generator 105, the power amplifier 107,the sensors 106, and the transducers 104 may be connected by a localarea network, such as but not limited to, Bluetooth® technology or otherwireless networks.

The control module 102 controls and monitors the transducers 104 andanalyzes the data collected by the sensors 106. The control module 102monitors all aspects of the system and determines the mode of thesystem, e.g. active or standby based on the vessel speed and userrequest. The control module 102 processes the data collected by thesensors 106 to determine the optimum settings for the transducers 104.The control module 102 is able to adjust the transducers 104 based onthe received data.

The control module 102 may be a standalone computing device or may bepart of a computing system that provides the commands for thetransducers 104 and processes the data collected by the sensors 106. Thecontrol module 102 may be a management server, a web server, or anyother electronic device or computing system capable of processingprogram instructions and receiving and sending data. In otherembodiments, the control module 102 may be a laptop computer, tabletcomputer, netbook computer, personal computer (PC), a desktop computer,or any programmable electronic device capable of communicating with thetransducers 104 and the sensors 106 either directly (i.e. wired) orremotely (i.e. wirelessly). In other embodiments, control module 102 maybe a server computing system utilizing multiple computers as a serversystem, such as in a cloud computing environment.

The transducers 104 are devices that are able to convert electricalwaveforms into acoustic waves. The transducers 104, which can beconstructed of piezoelectric transducers, of either ceramic crystallinetype, or film organic material type. Each transducer 104 has the abilityto vary the amplitude, frequency, volume, wave form, and sound-deliverypattern response, from approximately 20 kHz to about 50 kHz. Dependingon the organisms (type, size, and settlement location), different soundwaves may provide a more efficient and effective anti-fouling ability ofthe transducers 104. Through electrical impulses received from a waveform generator 105, the fluctuating voltage applied across thetransducer 104 causes a crystal to expand and contract, which in turncauses oscillation at a frequency determined by the waveform generator105. The crystal used in the transducer 104 may be but not limited to,berlinite, quartz, tourmaline, salt, and the like which would beacceptable to use in a submerged environment. This voltage fluctuationin turn produces a mechanical (e.g. up-and-down) vibration of a surfaceof the transducer 104, causing sound waves to propagate through theenvironment.

The mechanical sound waves travelling from the transducer 104 consist ofmoving bands of compressed fluid (high pressure) alternating with bandsof rarified or expanded fluid (low pressure). If the pressuredifferential between the compressed and rarified zones is great enoughand occurs rapidly enough (i.e. if the sound is “loud” enough and thefrequency is high enough), cavitation occurs. Cavitation is theformation of micro-bubbles from dissolved gases in a travelling rarifiedfluid band of the sound wave, followed by rapid compression of thebubbles to the point of implosion by the compressed fluid band thatcomes after the rarified one. The imploding bubbles cause shock wavesand violent molecular motion of air or water on a micro-scale. Ifcavitation occurs right at the surface of a solid submerged object (e.g.boat hull or submerged structure) the high energy shock waves andextreme micro-turbulence make it substantially impossible for foulingorganisms (e.g. tiny barnacle larvae, microscopic algae spores) toattach. These oscillations may be subsonic, audible, ultrasonic, or megasonic frequencies. The transducers 104 are able to be electronicallysteered similar to that of a phased array. Wherein the direction of thesound waves generated by the transducers 104 are shifted the phase ofeach transducer 104 to redirect the sound wave. In some embodiments, thetransducers 104 have the ability to shift the sound wave 90 degrees fromcenter. Wherein center is perpendicular to the forward face of thetransducer 104. In embodiments, where the transducers 104 are able to beelectronically steered, a phase shifter is integrated into thetransducers 104 or may be incorporated as an independent component inthe system 100.

The transducers 104 may be, but not limited to a piezoelectric ceramictransducer, or other types of transducers which are able to operate in asubmerged environment. In some embodiments, the range of frequencies ofthe transducers 104 may be as low as 20 kHZ or as high as 1 MHz

The transducers 104 are designed to operate with a low voltage supply.In one embodiment, that is a voltage has a pike of a hundred (100)voltage or a root mean square voltage of approximately thirty-five (35)volts . In additional embodiments, the low voltage supply may be higheror lower based on the intended operation and size of the system 100.This low voltage provides the benefit of reducing operating energydemand, the risk of injury to humans or wildlife in the water, and alsoreduce the likelihood of damage to the vessel or the structure. Thevoltage of the transducers 104 is based on the electrical impedance ofthat transducer. The electrical impedance is determined by both themechanical resistance presented to the transducer from its environment,e.g. materials on the transducer face, materials used to make a housing,whether it is operating in air or water or some other material such asthe fiberglass of a boat hull , or epoxies or other adhesives use tomake acoustic windows for a housing. In one embodiment, the transducers104 are comprised of a transducer mounted (e.g. with epoxy) to a thinflexible diaphragm. The diaphragm with the transducer was then mountedin a housing that accommodates the exact size of the diaphragm on a“lip” and the diaphragm and transducer are sealed within the waterproofhousing. In some embodiments, the diaphragm is one millimeter thick. Insome embodiments, the transducers 104 produced an impedance of 200 Ohmsto 500 Ohms with this low voltage.

The transducers 104 have a durable, water-proof housing, that hasminimal impedance to the transmission of ultrasound through the fluid sothat cavitation is induced at the target location. The direction andarea of coverage of the transducer 104 is determined by the size, shape,contour, and overall design. Depending on the application various sizesof transducers 104 may be used.

Additionally, the design of the transducers 104 affects the distance atwhich the transducers 104 are operational. In one embodiment, thetransducers 104 are designed to be effective at preventing -fouling ofthe vessel or structure from one meter away.

In some embodiments, the transducers 104 are in an array formation,where multiple transducers 104 are used. The transducers 104 in thearrays may operate independently of one another or may operate as asingle unit. In some embodiments the array formation is steerable andhas additional components such as a motor to control the array formationto traverse the vessel or structure remotely. In some embodiments, thearrays are electronically steerable. This allows for the array toenergize a large area via the mechanism of electronically sweeping thearray focal point. In some embodiments, the transducers 104 are able toeffectively prevent the fouling organisms from growing on the vessel orstructure over an area of two square meters. Through the use of an arrayformation, and the ability to electronically steer the array oftransducers 104, a greater area is able to be covered without thenecessity to move the transducers 104.

The power amplifier 107 is designed to increase the power input signalreceived by the transducer 104. The power amplifier 107 increase theamplitude of the signal received by the waveform generator 105. Varioustypes of power amplifiers 107 known in the art may be employed in thesystem 100. In some embodiments, each transducer 104 has a poweramplifier 107. In additional embodiments, one power amplifier 17 may beused for a plurality of transducers 104. The power amplifier 107 isconfigured to amplify an input signal from a waveform generator 105which is capable of generating various waveforms. The power amplifier107 needs to able to provide at least a variable voltage output ofbetween 5 and 45 root-means-square (RMS) voltage, with a currentcapability of at least 1000 milliamps (ma) into an impedance of at least120 ohms. The power amplifier 107 may be class AB, C, D, provided it isable to reproduce and amplify the waveforms input from the waveformgenerator 105. The power amplifier 107 has an impedance matching networkwhich is capable of matching the impedance of the waveform generator105. In one embodiment, the power amplifier 107 is a power FET typeamplifier, which have the capability of high output power with goodlinearity. In some embodiments, the power amplifier 107 is designed withsufficient heat removal features and designs, as well as a waterproofenclosure. The power amplifier 107 may be a single channel, multiplechannels, or the ability to bridge two channels. This allows for greaterpower capability into high impedance loads.

A waveform generator 105 is used to control the functionality of thetransducers 104. The waveform generator 105 generates different types ofelectrical waveforms over a wide range of frequencies which are receivedby the transducer 104 and produce the acoustic wave to match thereceived electrical waveform. The waveform generator 105 uses numericsequences to define the desired output waveform and is able to produce amultitude of different waveforms. In one embodiment, the waveformgenerator 105 is able produce a various different wave patterns (e.g.sine wave, square wave, sawtooth wave, etc.) from 20 kHz to 60 kHz.

The sensors 106 are devices which are able to receive data and transferthe data to the control module 102. In one embodiment, the sensors 106convert acoustic energy (generated by the transducers 104) intoelectrical voltage. The converted acoustic energy is then analyzed withan analog to digital converted to provide a reading of the acousticenergy impinging on the sensor 106. In additional embodiments, thesensors 106 are able to detect temperature, humidity, barometricpressure, global positioning, wind, the systems power, and the like.

Computing device 112 may be a management server, a web server, or anyother electronic device or computing system capable of processingprogram instructions and receiving and sending data. In otherembodiments, the computing device 112 may be a laptop computer, tabletcomputer, netbook computer, personal computer (PC), a desktop computer,or any programmable electronic device capable of communicating withcontrol module 102 via network 102. In one embodiment, computing device112 represents a computing system utilizing clustered computers andcomponents to act as a single pool of seamless resources.

Database 114 may be accessed by control module 102. Information gatheredfrom the sensors 106, the waveform generator 105, the control module102, and the transducers 104 may be stored to database 114. In oneembodiment, database 114 is a database management system (DBMS) used toallow the definition, creation, querying, update, and administration ofa database(s). In the depicted embodiment, database 114 resides oncomputing device 112. In other embodiments, database 114 resides onanother server, or another computing device, provided that database 114is accessible to control module 102.

The present invention is disclosed in an embodiment depicted in FIG. 2,in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In thedepicted embodiment, The system is shown integrated into a dock 300 andinto the vessel 200 and with solid and dashed lines depicted wired(solid lines) connections and wireless (dashed lines) connections. Thecomponents of the system may be connected in a wired set up, a wirelesssetup, or a combination of both depending on the application. In thedepicted embodiment, there are two control modules 102 in communicationwith one another. In the depicted embodiment, the control module 102A isconnected to a set of transducers 104 and a set of sensors 106 andcontrol module 102B is connected to a second set of transducers 104 anda second set of sensors 106. In one embodiment, one or both of thecontrol modules 102A and 102B may be able to control any transducer 104or sensor 106. In a second embodiment, control module 102A controls thesensors 106 and transducers 104 in communication with the control module102A and same for the control module 102B. In the depicted embodiment,one of the transducers 104 is an array, one transducer 104 is detachedfrom the vessel, and another two transducers 104 are integrated into thevessel's hull. The transducer 104 detached from the vessel may be eitherremotely controlled, and attached to the vessel with a mounting system(not shown). The mounting system allows for the transducer 104 to bepositioned in the fluid and directed towards the vessel (or structure).The mounting system allows for attachment to the vessel or structurewhen in use, and removal for storage when not in use. The anti-foulingsystem is designed to be easily incorporated into a marina, integratedinto the vessel, easily attached to the vessel or structure, or acombination of these to provide the greatest coverage of the submergedvessel or structure to prevent the fouling organism to grow. In oneembodiment, the transducers 104 are positioned to allow for theirradiation of the space of a typical marina slip with sufficient soundenergy at a frequency or range of frequencies to allow a vessel placedin the slip to be fouling organism free.

The sensors 106, are positioned in various locations based on the typeof transducer 104 and the position of the transducer 104. In someembodiments, the sensors 106 are positioned next to the transducer 104,in front of the transducer 104, or other locations so that the sensor106 can collect the sound energy data.

The present invention is disclosed in a series of embodiments depictedin FIGS. 3A-3D, in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention. The system 300, includes the computing module 102, thetransducers 104, the sensors 106, and the wave generator 105.

The transducers 104 can be configured in a plurality of differentsetups. In a first embodiment, FIG. 3A, the transducer 104 is mountedinside the vessel hull and is hardwired to the control module 102. Thecircuitry is located within the control module 102 and controls thetransducer 104 directly. In a second embodiment, FIG. 3C, thetransducers 104 are hardwired to the control module 102 but are mountedin a fixture and attached to the vessel by an arm or an extension overthe side of the vessel (or structure). In embodiments, wherein a mountis used to position the transducers 104 externally from the vessel orstructure. This mount may be stationary, wherein the steering of thesound waves of performed electronically. In additional embodiments, themount is mechanically steerable and transducers 104 which are notelectronically steerable are able to be physically repositioned to coverthe structure or vessel. In yet additional embodiments, the transducers104 may be electronically steerable, and be attached to a mount that ismechanically steerable. This provides the advantage of reducing thenumber of transducers 104 required for the anti-foul of the structure orvessel. The fixture and extension can be attached to various parts ofthe vessel and can be stowed when not in use. In additional embodiments,FIGS. 3B and 3D, the transducer 104 is wirelessly connected to thecomputing module 104. Each transducer 104 has a waveform generator 105,a communication module (for connecting to the computing module 104), anda power amplifier 107 separate from the transducers 104. Many otherarrangements and configurations may be employed based on the intendedoperation, the vessel or structure to be protected from fouling, andrequirements of the process. These four configurations are shown, butmultiple additional setups can be designed, and two or more of theseconfigurations may be combined. To power the various components of thesystem one or more power sources may be required. In a typical wiredsetup a single power source may be employed. In a wireless setup, one ormore components may be powered by independent power sources.

FIG. 4 depicts a schematic diagram 400 of circuit for measuring theacoustic energy level, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. In the depicted embodiment, the sensor 106 is apiezo-electric element designed for the approximate acoustic frequencyband that is to be measured. The amplifier circuit shown performs threefunctions: level shift, band-pass filter, and amplification. The levelshift converts the bipolar waveform (positive and negative voltages) toa unipolar waveform (only positive voltages) so that it can be sampledby an Analog to Digital Converter (unipolar device). Frequencies aboveand below the targeted band are filtered by the band-pass filtercharacteristics of the circuit. The amplification provides an increasein the voltage level so that there is enough voltage swing to bemeasured by the ADC. The output of the amplifier circuit is fed to amicro-processor that is equipped with an ADC. Software resident on thismicro-processor, samples the waveform, performs simple signal processingand measurement functions, and then reports the results back to the mainsystem controller.

FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram of the method of operation of the foulingsystem, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Theorder or sequence of the process or method steps may be varied orre-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions,modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design,operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodimentswithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In step 502, the control module 102 activates a/the transducer(s) 104once the system is activated either manually or automatically throughthe detection of the vessel or a predetermined event occurring. Thetransducers 104 may be activated at a standard frequency based on thetype of transducer 104 and the location of the transducer 104 (e.g.internal or externally mounted) after an initial reading if performed bythe sensors 106. In step 504, the control module 102 receives data fromthe sensor 106 associated with each active transducer 104. In step 506,the control module 102 analyzes the received data. This allows thecontrol module 102 to constantly know how each transducer 104 isperforming based on the data collected by the sensors 106. In step 508,the control module 102 adjusts a/the transducer(s) 104 based on thereceived data to maintain a safe operation, a predetermined efficiencylevel, and a predetermined effective area so as to minimize the energyrequired by the system while maximizing the anti-fouling abilities ofthe system. The adjustment of the transducer 104 may be necessary tomaintain an area of effectiveness for the prevention of fouling. This isvital as the constant changing of the fluid's conditions requireconstant adjustment of the transducers 104 to effectively protect thevessel or structure from fouling organisms.

In some embodiments, the control module 102 is able to adjust thetransducers 104 direction. Transducers employing beam steeringtechnology can be used to direct energy to specific locations. Bycontrolling the phase relationship of the excitation waveforms, theenergy delivery (gain pattern) can be steered in specific directions.This beam steering can focus energy on specific locations or be used tosweep the energy over a desired coverage area.

In additional embodiments, the control module 102 may detect strayelectricity leaks into the fluid that may develop and consequentlyincrease corrosion of boat metal parts (e.g. prop). If the electricityleak is detected the control module 102 may shut of the specificcomponent or the entire system. Thus, an added feature of the monitoringpart of system is corrosion protection.

By using a plurality of transducers 104 with a wide frequency response,the sweep and pulse patterns of sound delivery, the placement of thetransducers 104, the use of sensors 106 to detect the sound energy andfrequency being delivered to a given area of the vessel, or otherstructures, the use of control module 102 feedback analysis to measureand control the amplitude and frequency being delivered to various areasof the vessel, or other structures, the optimum frequency range andsound energy can be chosen to increase the effect, to the maximumprevention of fouling for a vessel or structure.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specificembodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives,modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention, as setforth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Variouschanges may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of thisinvention.

The present invention has been described in the foregoing on the basisof several preferred embodiments. Different aspects of differentembodiments are deemed described in combination with each other, whereinall combinations which can be deemed by a skilled person in the field asfalling within the scope of the invention on the basis of reading ofthis document are included. These preferred embodiments are notlimitative for the scope of protection of this document. The rightssought are defined in the appended claims.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also beused in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferredmethods and materials are now described.

All publications and patents cited in this specification are hereinincorporated by reference as if each individual publication or patentwere specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated byreference and are incorporated herein by reference to disclose anddescribe the methods and/or materials in connection with which thepublications are cited. The citation of any publication is for itsdisclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as anadmission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate suchpublication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates ofpublication provided may be different from the actual publication dateswhich may need to be independently confirmed.

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, thesingular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claimsmay be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statementis intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusiveterminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with therecitation of claim elements or use of a “negative” limitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of preventing fouling of a submergedvessel or structure, the method comprising: activating, by one or morecomputing devices, a set of transducers and at least one sensor at afirst area; generating, by one or more computing devices, apredetermined sound wave from the set of transducers; monitoring, by oneor more computing devices, data collected by the at least one sensor;altering, by one or more computing devices, the predetermined sound waveof the set of transducers, wherein the alteration is based on the datacollected by the at least one sensor; and adjusting, by one or morecomputing devices, the direction of the sound wave generated by the setof transducers from the first area to a second area, when it isdetermined by the at least one sensor the first area if free of foulingorganism.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the adjustment of thedirection of the sound wave generated by the set of transducers iselectronically adjusted.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein theadjustment of the direction of the sound wave generated by the set oftransducers is mechanically adjusted.
 4. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising, calculating, by one or more computing devices, a wave formpattern of at least one of the set of transducers to produce apredetermined sound wave.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising,amplifying, by one or more computing devices, the wave form patternbased on the collected data to produce a sound wave of a predeterminedpower level.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the set of transducerswhen activated, each transducer of the set of transducers has apredetermined sound wave and power level independent of the othertransducers in the set of transducers.
 7. An anti-fouling systemcomprising: a computing module; at least one transducer cooperativelyconnected to the computing module, wherein the at least one transducerproduces a sound wave able to impinge upon a submerged surface; and atleast one sensor cooperatively connected to the computing module,wherein the at least one sensor substantially.
 8. The anti-foulingsystem of claim 7, further comprising, at least one wave form generatorcooperatively connected to the computing module and the at least onetransducer.
 9. The anti-fouling system of claim 7, further comprising atleast one power amplifier cooperatively connected to the at least onewave form generator and the at least one transducer.
 10. Theanti-fouling system of claim 7, wherein the computing module optimizesthe at least one transducer by varying frequency, amplitude, andwaveform of the at least one transducer.
 11. The ant-fouling system ofclaim 7, further comprising a mounting system, wherein the at least onetransducer is detachably secured to a mounting system, and the mountingsystem is detachably secured to a vessel or a structure.
 12. Theanti-fouling system of claim 9, wherein the at least one power amplifierpower, provides a variable voltage output between 5 and 45root-means-square (RMS) voltage.
 13. The anti-fouling system of claim11, wherein the mount system is mechanically adjustable relative to theposition of the at least one transducer and an attachment location tothe vessel or the structure.
 14. The anti-fouling system of claim 7,wherein the at least one transducer is electronically steerable.
 15. Theanti-fouling system of claim 7, wherein the at least one transducerproduces a sound wave with a frequency of at least 20 kHz and not morethan 1 MHz.
 16. The anti-fouling system of claim 7, wherein the at leastone transducer is mounted inside a hull of a vessel.
 17. Theanti-fouling system of claim 7, further comprising a substantiallywaterproof enclosure encapsulating a first group of the at least onetransducer.
 18. The anti-fouling system of claim 9, wherein the at leastone power amplifier substantially matches the impedance of the at leastone waveform generator.
 19. The anti-fouling system of claim 17, whereina first group of the at least one power amplifier, a first group of theat least one wave generator, and the first group of the transducer arecontained within the substantially waterproof enclosure.
 20. Ananti-fouling system comprising: a computing module; a mounting systemhaving a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attachedto vessel or a structure; a substantially waterproof enclosuredetachably engaged with the second end of the mounting system; at leastone transducer positioned within the substantially waterproof enclosureand cooperatively connected to the computing module, wherein the atleast one transducer produces a sound wave able to impinge upon asubmerged surface; at least one wave form generator cooperativelyconnected to the computing module and the at least one transducer; atleast one power amplifier cooperatively connected to the at least onewave form generator and the at least one transducer; and at least onesensor cooperatively connected to the computing module, wherein the atleast one sensor substantially.